West Virginia Lawmakers Pressured to Address McDowell County Water Crisis

Advocates demand emergency funding for infrastructure as legislative session nears end

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Residents of West Virginia's McDowell County, featured on a recent 60 Minutes segment, are urgently pressing state lawmakers to provide emergency funding for clean drinking water infrastructure before the legislative session ends. Led by Rev. Brad Davis, a group of advocates has descended on the state Capitol to apply pressure, but they face resistance from some lawmakers who argue that funding alone won't solve the problem without proper planning and manpower.

Why it matters

McDowell County has lacked access to clean drinking water for generations, posing serious public health risks for residents. Advocates argue this is a basic need that the government must address, but lawmakers are divided on the best legislative approach, with some prioritizing economic development over immediate infrastructure funding.

The details

Two bills, HB 5525 and HB 5586, have been introduced in the House to provide emergency funding for water projects in McDowell County, but they remain stuck in the Energy and Public Works Committee. Lawmakers like Del. David Green argue that money alone won't solve the issue without proper planning, while others like Del. Evan Hansen say more funding is still needed beyond the $30 million already allocated in the House budget.

  • The 2026 legislative session in West Virginia is nearing its end, with only about 3 weeks left.
  • Crossover day, the last day to move bills from one chamber to the other, is about 10 days away.

The players

Rev. Brad Davis

A community advocate leading the push for emergency water infrastructure funding in McDowell County.

Del. David Green

A Republican state delegate representing McDowell County who sits on the Energy and Public Works Committee.

Del. Evan Hansen

The Democratic Minority Chair of the Energy and Public Works Committee, who supports increased funding for water projects.

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What they’re saying

“There is a public health emergency in the coal fields. Let's get something done about it. And, that's why we're here at the Capitol, where we're trying to urge our legislators, our lawmakers, to give us emergency funding for water infrastructure, because it is an emergency.”

— Rev. Brad Davis, Community Advocate (WOWK)

“So, I wanna be very clear. We need the money. I'm 100% clear on that. But right now, there are some issues with being able to get the all of the plans in place. Some of our municipalities, they actually don't even have the manpower to even start a project.”

— Del. David Green, State Delegate (WOWK)

“I would absolutely prioritize clean drinking water over an income tax reduction, and I'm pleased to see that in the House budget bill, there is $30 million of surplus funds that's being directed to water and sewer projects. That's great, but we need even more.”

— Del. Evan Hansen, State Delegate (WOWK)

What’s next

The two bills addressing McDowell County's water crisis, HB 5525 and HB 5586, must be moved out of the Energy and Public Works Committee and passed by the full House before the legislative session ends in less than 3 weeks.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the stark divide between lawmakers who view immediate infrastructure funding as the top priority versus those who want to address underlying capacity issues first. With time running out, advocates are ramping up pressure to ensure McDowell County's basic need for clean water is met before the legislative session concludes.